Weight Restoration & How We Can Help Stop the ED Cycle
The human body is powerful. It can withstand great amounts of stress, hardship, and other difficulties. Our bodies are our biggest allies; they fight for our survival even at the cellular level. It is a comfort to know that humans are, at the very core, resilient beings. When a person has an eating disorder that results in substantial weight loss, such as anorexia nervosa, the body will adapt as best it can in order to endure starvation. However, surviving isn’t thriving. Those who are underweight may feel their health decline, as the body goes into emergency mode and redirects all its energy towards survival. They may become frequently sick, or feel exhausted. They may lose hair and have extreme difficulty focusing. They may feel very cold, as the body no longer has the capacity to regulate temperature. These are all symptoms of malnourishment, and it goes without saying that they are severely detrimental to overall well-being.
For those in eating disorder recovery, one of the most vital steps to getting better is weight restoration. Weight restoration occurs when a person reaches a healthy weight by eating more energy-dense foods and adjusting their activity level at the recommendation of their doctor and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. For some, weight restoration can seem scary. But it is an important goal to set, one that promises improved health and body function. As the body receives more nourishment, it can work not only for survival but for optimal living conditions.
Somebody who struggles with body image might feel intimidated by the process of weight restoration. That’s okay! Change is never easy. It’s important to practice self-care. Weight gain may be accompanied by some discomfort. Offset this by remembering that humans are not static beings. It’s normal to experience change–and in this case, it’s a wonderful thing. Celebrate by treating yourself to clothes that accommodate your new body.
Try not to fixate on numbers. Sometimes a reliance on BMI can result in somebody aiming for a weight that is still too low for optimal function. Studies allude to a natural weight set point, a theory which, according to Healthline, “relies on the concept of a genetic preset weight range that’s controlled by biological signals. The body has a regulatory system that works to keep you at a steady-state level, or set point.” This means that it may be better to focus on non-numerical successes, such as eating intuitively or decreased anxiety when faced with mealtimes. Intuitive eating taps into the body’s natural ability to send you signals when it is hungry or full. Being able to trust in your body’s instincts is a huge accomplishment.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it may be time to take inventory. Think about how making changes in our own language can stop the cycle of eating disorders. Children are very observant. They pick up and internalize the way their parents perceive their own bodies and eating habits. This is one of the ways body negativity and restrictive behaviors can carry on generationally. But by practicing body neutrality at home, we can greatly diminish this cycle.
Practice body neutrality by:
Focusing on what your body can do, rather than what it looks like. Your body is a fine-tuned machine with a myriad of incredible abilities. Then, practice gratitude: Your legs are amazing for providing you with movement. Your lungs are amazing for helping you breathe.
If you find yourself defaulting back on negative thought spirals, stop yourself and emphasize your immense range of ability. Your body is capable of so many great things!
Wear comfortable clothes, and dress in ways that make you feel good.
Grant yourself patience. Body neutrality is a constant learning process. A hypervigilance of appearance has been ingrained in us. Undoing that takes time. We are a work in progress; there is no shame in nonlinear headway.
Always remember: Your body is powerful!